Our Research
Looking at social dynamics and gender from a new angle
Helping Men Grow Through Positive Narratives
Men are very often told what not to do, but rarely given guidance on what to do. Without providing positive narratives that resonate with men’s need for community, meaning, and purpose, we risk leaving a vacuum of meaning which is often filled by questionable voices. We need affirmative, constructive, and solution-focused narratives which uphold important values while helping men find their place in an equitable and fair society. Such narratives must address legitimate concerns and inspire men to embrace valued roles in creating just societies that benefit everyone.
Composed as part of the MenEngage Europe Positive Engagement Working Group
A Better Account Of ‘Toxicity’
The notion of ‘toxic masculinity’ has been used in ways which are neither fair nor helpful. But as it is now permanently in our dictionaries, perhaps there is a way to reframe it. I review the two main historical framings discussing their advantages and weaknesses, and construct a synthesis which acknowledges that ‘toxicity’ can and does apply to more than just masculinity, aims to reduce the divisive character of the term, encourages focus on systemic causes and solutions, and supports both action-oriented between-group use and self-improvement-oriented within-group use. A virtue ethical definition can further discourage division and instead promote a focus on systemic causes and solutions.
Ongoing Research Projects
